1.

Security Dimension

a. Op Treasure Shield, Protirodh, Nirmul

b. Blue Guard

Bangladesh Navy (BN) has been assigned the duty of Lead organization for the security matters related
to Blue Economy. BN has started “Operation Blue Guard” from 01 March 2017 for ensuring the security
of ships and establishment engaged in Blue Economy projects. BN ships, high speed boats and naval
contingents are deployed to perform the tasks. Presently, BN is providing security to vessels of 1200
MW coal-based power plant project, LNG Terminal project of Excelerate Energy Bangladesh Limited,
Summit LNG and Single Point Mooring (SPM) with Double Pipeline project. BN also carry out surveillance
in the entire EEZ area including the North West EEZ area to prevent piracy, smuggling, human trafficking
and IUU by foreign fishing vessels. Beside Directorate of Blue Economy was established in NHQ on 07
February 2017 to coordinate the matters with different ministries and agencies.

c. Fishery Protection

In Bangladesh, average yield of Hilsa production has increased by 5.3% in the last ten years.
Bangladesh’s inland rivers and coastal areas, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard performed their duties
timely and effectively, following government’s direction to prevent illegal seizure of Hilsa. As a result,
Bangladesh’s Hilsa catch is currently the largest in the world. It is to be noted that the total production
of Hilsa in Bangladesh was 0.313 million metric tons in 2008-2009, which increased to 0.533 million
metric tons in 2019-2020, in other words, the production of Hilsa in the country has increased by about
84% in the last 11 years. This is about 12% of the country’s total fish production, and at current price is
worth around Tk 20,618 crore. Hilsa’s contribution to Bangladesh’s GDP is about 1%. Due to the regular
and effective operation of the Navy, it has been possible to export the country’s Hilsa abroad and ensure
the sufficient supply of the fish in the local market. In order to protect national resource "Hilsa," the
Bangladesh Navy has been operating 'Operation Jatka’ and 'Ma Hilsa Reservation Campaign' since 2001.
Five to seven ships are deployed in the country’s inland river and sea coastal areas throughout the year.
As a result, it has been possible to recover huge quantities of illegal nets and boats as well as fish fries in
the last 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Bangladesh Navy has achieved the "National Fisheries Award 2019" in recognition of its outstanding
contribution to Bangladesh’s fisheries resources and marine fisheries management. The then Chief of
the Naval Staff, Admiral Aurangzeb Chowdhury, NBP, OSP, BCGM, PCGM, BCGMS, ndc, psc has formally
received the award from the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a programme held in Dhaka’s
Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) on July 18, 2019.
 Op Jatka Achievements in Capture Value: 2011-2020
35000 31797.74
29856.48
30000
BDT value in Lacs

25000 22582.4
19532.93
20000 15979.32
15000 13181.21
10000 6355.31 5978.59
4703.64 4721.23
5000
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Year

Op Jatka 2011-2020: Ships number & Depl Days

400 30

No of Ships Depl
Days ON TASK

300
20
200
10
100
0 0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Year

Days ON TASK No of Ships Depl

Illegal Fishing Trawlers Driven Away by BN: 2010-2020

734 922
1000 386
Number of boats

87
100 56

10
10 6

1 1
1
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Year

d. Preservation of good order at sea

Bangladesh Navy being a strategic organ of the government and the lead maritime organization, is
vested with the responsibilities to protect and promote the maritime interests of the country. But due to
contemporary complex maritime security environment, Bay of Bengal is likely to be canvas of wide
range non-traditional security threats. Among others; maritime piracy, maritime terrorism, gun running,
poaching, drug and human trafficking, armed robbery etc. are major maritime security challenges for
Bangladesh. Manifestations of these threats are already prevalent in the maritime domain of
Bangladesh and likely to be intensified in future. As guardian of the vast sea area of Bangladesh, BN
remains vigilant at sea round the clock and conducts extensive operation to counter these maritime
security challenges in order to uphold the maritime interests of Bangladesh in Bay of Bengal.

Anti-Piracy/ Anti-Smuggling Operation. Due to the geographical phenomenon of the country itself,
incident of piracy is very less in Bangladeshi waters but occasional incidents of petty theft occur onboard
few merchant ships and vessels. BN as lead maritime security organization always stay alert and 7 to 8
ships remain consistently deployed at sea for encountering any piracy and smuggling incidents. Since
1985 to till date by conducting anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in coastal areas, BN has
apprehended total 1404 boats, 3036 smugglers and significant amount of contraband goods worth of
approx 400 crores taka. Due to relentless effort and incessant presence at sea by BN, incidents of piracy
and petty theft are almost null in Bangladeshi water recently. Last ten years achievements of BN in anti-
piracy and anti-smuggling operations are shown in the figures bellow.

Anti-trafficking Op Achievements by BN
9620.03
10000
3499.76
1065.47
Valuation (in BDT lacs)

1000 422.94 299.71 352.38

167.72 132.17
105.59
100 65.3

9.85
10
2.56

1
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year

Anti-Piracy Op Achievements: BN
120 105
102.42
100
Valuation (in BDT lacs)

80
60 50
40 30 27.55
24.05
20 8.11 13.5
4.8
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Year

Anti-Human Trafficking. Human trafficking has emerged as one of the most pervasive forms
of human rights violation. According to UNHCR in 2011 the number was 103,00 using small boats alone
and rising each year. The recent influx of Rohingyas from Myanmar has multiplied this problem for
Bangladesh in many folds. Combating human trafficking is one of the major constabulary tasks of
Bangladesh Navy. BN ships deployed in territorial waters and high seas always remain vigilant to
interdict any sorts of human trafficking through Bangladeshi water. BN ships frequently check boats and
vessels in trafficking prone areas like Chattogram Outer Anchorage, St Martin’s, Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar
etc. BN boats also carry out extensive patrol in Chattogram outer anchorage and St Martin’s area in
order to thwart any illegal trafficking. BN achievements in this sector are appended below.
Year Boats Crew/ Destination Place Value
Apprehended
Persons
2012 2 44 Malaysia Shahpuri Island, 20,00,000/00
Ctg Outer anchorage
2013 1 24 Malaysia Off St Martins Island -
2014 3 665 Malaysia Off St Martins Island, 1,70,20,000/00
Ctg Outer anchorage
2015 2 138 Malaysia Ctg Outer anchorage, 1,52,00,000/00
Shahpuri Island
2020 1 5 Malaysia Off St Martins Island -
Total 9 876 - - 3,42,20,000/00

Maritime Terrorism. Southeast Asia is one of the world’s busiest and strategic chokepoints,
accounting for approximately 40% of the total global maritime trade. With numerous ships passing by
each day, the opportunity to hijack a ship to use as a weapon or carry out attacks (e.g., planting a bomb)
on-board ships remains high. In the last couple of decades maritime terrorism found to be gaining
prominence in this region. Bangladesh Navy remains ready at all times to counter any maritime terrorist
act in BD waters. Bangladesh Navy has already founded Special Warfare Diving and Salvage Command
(SWADSCOM) which comprises elite Special Operations Forces of the Bangladesh Navy. SWADSCOM is
specially organized with highly skilled personnel equipped with special weapons and gadgets to conduct
maritime special force operations including counter terrorism operations. This organization was
established in 2008.The initial training to this elite force was imparted by the US Special Forces. Today,
SWADS teams are well equipped and trained to take on challenging missions including hostage rescue,
anti-piracy, counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, covert extraction and insertions, intelligence
gathering, raids, rescue & salvage at sea including underwater demolition.
2. Capacity Building Dimension
a. Establishment of Academia
Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI). Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute
(BORI) in Cox’s Bazar under the Ministry of Science and Technology is the country's first and only
national institution on maritime science and oceanography. Development of Blue Economy is the
electoral manifesto of the present Government and as a newly opened sector there is a huge probability
of Blue Economy in Bangladesh. For this reason, Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) is
playing an important role in creating sea related research and development of skilled manpower. The
Institute is working to conduct all the activities as a focal point of Bangladesh at national and
international levels in the field of oceanography.
Universities. Various universities in Bangladesh like University of Chittagong, University of Dhaka,
University of Khulna, Noakhali University of Science and Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and
Technology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University are working on marine research.
Specially Institute of Marine Science and Fisheries, University of Chittagong is working for seaweed
species identification and culture, fish species identification, oceanographic research, marine pollution
control and mitigation etc.
The Bangladesh Institute of Research and Development (BIMRAD). BIMRAD has been is established
under Nou Kollan Foundation (NKF) and formally started its journey on 03 Jul 2018. It is an independent
think tank research institute to study issues relating to the maritime domain of Bangladesh and Blue
Economy. The institute takes a comprehensive approach in dealing with all national, regional and global
maritime matters concern to the country. It aims to provide advice and options to government maritime
agencies, stake holders and other relevant organizations.
BSMRMU. To keep pace and to be at par with the developing world in the field of maritime higher
studies and research, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh, the first
Maritime University of the country, was established. The University started its journey as the 37th public
university of the country, the 3rd Maritime University in South Asia and the 12th Maritime University in
the world. The university would conduct both graduate and post- graduate courses on various fields,
which includes subjects related to Safe Operation, Handling and Management of Ships, Port and
Shipping Administration, Maritime Technology, Naval Architecture, Oceanography, Marine Science,
Hydrography, Ocean Engineering, Offshore Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Maritime Laws, Maritime
Security and Strategic studies, Business Studies, Information and Computer technology, Environmental
Science etc.
b. Assistance to researchers
Bangladesh Navy have been providing sea research and data collection opportunities to marine science
related students of several Bangladesh universities by providing them sea trips aboard Navy warships.
Such cooperation has strengthened the relationship between Navy and marine academicians, while
providing them the insight of the work navy is doing and can do. It also enabled the Navy to understand
from the academic viewpoint what may be required to achieve excellence in theoretical fields of marine
science.
c. Naval build-up to protect against conventional and non-conventional threats

Year Ships Added Units/Establishments Remarks

2010 Anushandhan 1 X HSV
2011 Bijoy  Aviation with Ac 2 X FSG
Dhaleswari  SWADSCOM
2012
2013 Somudra Joy, Durjoy, Nirmul, 1 x FF
Padma (new), Surma (new), 2 X LPC
Aparajeya, Adomyo, Atondro 5 X PC
2014 Abu Bakr (new), Ali Haider 2 X FFG
2015 K J Ali (new), Hatia, Sanwip, 2 X 1 X AO
LCTs 2 X LCVP
2 X LCT
2016 Somudra Avijan, Shadhinota, 1 X FF
Prottoy 2 X FSG
2017 SS Nobojatra, SS Joyjatra, 2 X SSK
Durgom, Nishan, Tug Halda, Tug 2 X LPC
Pussur 2 X Tugs
 2018 Sher-e-Bangla, Sheikh
Hasina (year?)
2019 Sangram, Prottasha BNS Sheikh Mujib 2 X FSG
2020 Umar Farooq (new), Abu 2 X FFG
Ubaidah

3. Scientific Dimension
a. Hydrography
BN Hydrographic Department started its journey by establishing Hydrographic School in 1983 at BNS
ISSA KHAN. BN Hydrographic Department underwent outstanding transformation to the much-needed
digital hydrographic surveying capabilities with the help of French Government under the scheme of
Hydro Bangla Project-1 in 1996. The next major step of modernizing was Hydro Bangla Project-2, which
was conducted in 2001. With the enhanced capability of international standard hydrographic survey, BN
brought home the prestigious membership of International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 2001. In
XXXX, BN Hydrographic school was accredited by IBSC to conduct Hydrography Category ‘B’ course.
Subsequently we were entrusted by IHO with nine international charts, both paper and ENC. The
accomplishment of Bangladesh Navy hydrographic services is recognized at the IHO 1 as following. Being
a small coastal nation, Bangladesh have achieved international recognition to produce nautical charts for
her maritime area which is a great prestige for the nation.

Hydrographic data is extremely vital for maritime boundary claims. While the legal battle raged at ITLOS
and PCA, BN hydrographers provided much needed hydrographic data to assert our claim. Under the
dynamic leadership of HPM Sheikh Hasina and MOFA, GoB; Bangladesh settled EEZ-related maritime
disputes with both of her littoral members peacefully in 2014 and 2016. Bangladesh have also submitted
the claim for Extended Continental Shelf to CLCS in 2011. Noting the fact that BN’s latest survey ship
BNS Anushandhan joining the fleet in 2010 and was deployed outright for her operational task, makes it
vividly clear the role BN hydrographers played in resolution of maritime disputes.
b. Oceanography
No significant data in relation to BN
4. Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding capability of Bangladesh remains in the historical perspective with the glorious heritage.
This capacity added further momentum with the initiative taken just after liberation, which enhanced

1
IHO C-55 Publication: https://iho.int/uploads/user/pubs/cb/c-55/c55.pdf page 41-42
the confidence level of shipbuilding in Bangladesh. Soon after liberation, Dockyard & Engineering Works
(DEW), Narayanganj, was ordered to build 5 small patrol crafts. The result was commissioning of two
ships by 1972 (BNS PABNA and NOAKHALI) and remaining three ships (BNS PATUAKHALI, RANGAMATI
and BOGRA) in few years. All these five ships are still operational and now being operated by Coast
Guard. Simultaneously, Khulna Shipyard (KSY) was assigned to construct and rehabilitate commercial
vessels as maximum as possible, and the result was wonderful. At the same time urgency of a dry dock
was felt, and the construction of Chittagong Dry Dock (CDD) was emphasized. Finally, CDD could start
functioning in 1981. All three public shipyards were profitable for a quite long time. But they could not
remain as profitable due to many reasons and at last placed to privatization board for disposal. But
privatization board handed over them to Bangladesh Navy for efficient management. With the
recommendation of the board, KSY was handed over in 1999, DEW in 2006 and CDD in 2015. Under the
management of Navy, KSY has already built 5 sea going patrol crafts and is constructing few more large
patrol crafts. Besides, KSY is engaged with construction of various types of vessels for Army, Navy, Coast
Guard, Bangladesh Inland Water Transportation Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water
Transportation Corporation (BIWTC), Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), Mongla Port Authority (MPA), Fire
Service and Civil Defence and many other organizations. After taken over by Navy, DEW went on
production in 2010 and by the short span of time, it is progressing very fast. It could successfully
construct two LCT for Navy and two aluminium fast patrol boats (FPB) for Coast Guard and rehabilitate
one Ro-Ro ferry of BIWTC, two mine sweepers and two patrol crafts of Navy and four patrol craft of
Coast Guard. At present DEW is building 04 sea going patrol crafts and two aluminium FPBs for Coast
Guard. It can be said that these shipyards are now vibrant with new building, repair and rehabilitation
works of commercial as well as war ships. Along with government owned shipyards a good number of
private shipyards have been established in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Barisal divisions. Total
number of private shipyards, dockyard or marine workshops is about 200 of which 124 are registered to
Department of Shipping. Among them few shipyards have the capacity to build ships for international
buyers. By this time, a total of 19 vessels have been delivered by Bangladeshi shipyards, with a total
export value of US$ 126 million. So, Bangladesh now has the capacity to build small or medium sized
(25,000 DWT or less) commercial vessels for international shipping and warships up to frigate 2.

2
An Appraisal of Shipbuilding Prospects in Bangladesh by M Muzibur Rahman; Procedia Engineering 194 ( 2017 )
224 – 231
BN: Supporting Blue Economy

1. Security Dimension

WHAT
- Ensure good order at sea
- Create environment conductive to attract foreign trade and investment
- Ensure safety of important establishment of Blue Economy

HOW
- Naval build-up
- BN-BCG collaboration
- Maritime Domain Awareness
- Surveillance

OUTCOME
- Confidence in investment, stability of economy and protected maritime interest

2. Scientific Dimension

WHAT
- Gather knowledge about living and non-living resources
- Gather data about marine environment
- Ensure safe navigation and seaborne trade

HOW
- Promote and develop hydrographic survey
- Maintain, promote and develop oceanographic capability (technological and human)
- Promote non-naval hydrographic organizations

OUTCOME
- Informed decision making at national levels

3. Sustainability Dimension

WHAT
- Ensure progress doesn’t harm the platform itself
- Prevent uncontrolled exploitation

HOW
- Fishery protection
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management
- Pollution control
- Environmental compliance

OUTCOME
- Sustainable development
- Compliance with SDG 14 to achieve goals
4. Policy-level Works

WHAT
- Keep the policymakers engaged in Blue Economy support across government
- Inspire citizens to join, support and contribute to Blue Economic activities related job sectors

HOW
- Promote adoption of Maritime Strategy
- Ensure progress along with maritime policy(ies).
- Involve al maritime stakeholders
- Involve non-maritime stakeholders through national dialogues and inspiration

OUTCOME
- Achieve continued national support from policy and lawmakers

5. Direct Involvement: Navy as a defence service cannot get involved directly to economic
activities. However, there are few sectors where BN may have direct involvement due to the nature of
the sectors and unique locations & interest. Such as:
- Ship building
- Marine tourism